Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 09:25, 14 October 2005 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Ornamental grass
Lyme grass: when and how to prune
Leymus arenarius
Lyme grass is best pruned in February–March and August.
| Pruning months | February–March and August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Lyme grass: when to prune it?
Cut the old foliage back in late February or March, before the new leaves appear. Spent flower spikes can be removed in August.
What else to prune in those months? February · March · August
Lyme grass: how to prune it?
- Cut all leaves and old spikes back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- Remove any runners that have popped up outside their space at the same time.
- In August, cut faded flower spikes off at the base if they look untidy.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: February–March and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Cutting back does not stop it spreading: only a root barrier or a pot keeps the rhizomes in place.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Lyme grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.